» The Saints already are impressed with rookie receiver Brandin Cooks, who went to Lincoln High. Cornerback Keenan Lewis nicknamed the Oregon State product "Lightning" after Cooks torched him down the field on an end-around. Outside linebacker Junior Galette said, "I haven't seen that kind of speed in a while," which is saying an awful lot since Galette has played across the field from Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush, Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson while in New Orleans.

» Actor James Garner, most famous for his roles in "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files," died Saturday at age 86. Raiders fans might remember seeing Garner on the sidelines during the 70s, 80s and 90s. He was a big Raiders fan.

» Canadian Tour golfer and Stockton native Josh Stone finished tied for seventh at the Staal Foundation Open at Whitewater Golf Course in Thunder Bay, Canada. It was the Lincoln High and Delta College graduate's best finish this season, as he has made the cut in four of eight events this season.

» The U.S. Junior Men's National Softball Team that stopped in Stockton earlier this month for an exhibition doubleheader on its way to Canada for the world championships finished fifth at that tournament after beating Mexico 11-5 in the consolation final Sunday. Lincoln's Carson Criner and Cody Valeros, and recent Stagg graduate Aaron Madrid played for the U.S. in Stockton. Valeros saw action in Canada, and went 2 for 16 in nine games.

» Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy is apt to say almost anything with a microphone in front in his face. Remember the "I'm a man, I'm 40" rant several years ago? Well, at Big 12 media day, Gundy said he felt like, of all people, Britney Spears with all the cameras and attention. Makes you wonder where his head is.

» "Cat" Conti will be the first female official to work a game involving a college football team from one of the five "power conferences" on Sept. 6 when Southeast Missouri travels to Kansas. Conti has worked several Division I games in smaller conferences, so this will be a step up for her. "And she is not there because she is a female," Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. "She is there because she's paid her dues and because she is a really outstanding football official." Said Kansas coach Charlie Weis in support, "All power to her."

» Phil Mickelson filled the claret jug with expensive wine upon winning the 2013 Open Championship. Rory McIlroy also drank from the iconic trophy after capturing the Open Championship, his third major. But it wasn't wine. He drank Jagermeister. McIlroy celebrated victory on the English shore with the nectar of the Jersey Shore.

» The Oakland A's are expected to activate outfielder Josh Reddick from the disabled list today. In his rehab stint with the Ports, Reddick went 9 for 21 (.429) with three home runs, eight RBI, six runs and 20 total bases.

» Beach volleyball draws viewers during the Olympics but not so much after the games. But today throughSunday, an international field of 128 teams will play for a $1 million purse at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach. Leonard Armato, one of the tournament's founders, was head of the Association of VolleyballProfessionals Tour from 2001 and 2009 and played basketball at Pacific in the 1970s.